2012 Travel Highlights: Quotes from a California Girl

Three years ago, I had one of the most amaaaaaazing and I can say, adventurous time of my life, even for a very short time. I can still clearly remember, I was a fresh highschool graduate back then and my parents decided to send me to LA for summer as a gift. I was ecstatic, nervous, and was really looking forward for my first ever SOLO trip and I will forever cherish that feeling, that thrill and that unnerving excitement for something unknown that literally awaiits a hundred thousand miles from home. And looking forward, I never thought I'd be taking traveling solo again- given that I've planned things quite differently from how everything turned out to be right now(WHICH I'M SUPER DUPER THANKFUL FOR! :D ) - and going to the same place too! But we all know how the saying goes that,

2009 & 2012 Solo Trip to LA :) COMPAARE but don't JUDGE! hahaha!

Random shot!

with my super pretty sister! <3

With Mamitaa! <3

"Life has no limitations except the ones you make."

2. Value your family and loved ones more than anyone else.

Comia family! :)

with the boys! :) Meet Paolo & Aaron!

Now here's one of the few things why 

I ULTIMAATELYY LOOVE TO TRAVEELL!

3. Smile to every person you meet on the road cause you'll never know, that one person might change your life. :)

On my flight to LA three years ago, I can still remember that one person who was sitting at my left, Sir Martin, who was then on business trip to expand the call center industry in the Philippines. Back then, I didn't know what a call center was, I just kept on asking him questions and stuff!! hahah! 

*which I always do by the waaay! :)))

Well, look now, the call center industry boomed all its way in the Philippines, with companies offshoring jobs mainly because They find FILIPINO PEOPLE AWESOME! But kidding aside, I never thought that I would be able to meet a man who's part of the reason why a lot of Filipinos have jobs right now. I wish I had asked for his contact number but nonetheless Sir Martin, wherever you are - Thaaaank youuuu! :)

So from there, I've learned my lesson, I keep this secret diary/notepad/todolist ancient notebook 

yup that notebook at the bottom!

wherein I told myself, whenever I meet new people during my recent trip - I would ask them to write their name and their contact numbers just in case,

cause the world is unbelievably small, you'll never know, that person you've met at the airport, who's sitting beside you at a connecting flight, who helped you when you got lost - might be that someone - who can positively change your life! :)

*I've got a reaallyyy reallyyy exciiting blog entry about thaat! For recent graduates looking for jobs, my next blog entryy is definitely a MUST READ so keep posted! :)

On my most recent trip to LA, I had a really nice conversation with Ms. Villaluna, a really hardworking Filipina who worker her way, along with her husband, to establish themselves in the Philippines. But the success that they gained still kept their feet grounded - and now, she's traveling to LA & New York to visit her kids - and mind you - she does this almost three to four months! :)))) Oh the life of a jetsetter!!! But coming from her perspective, she doesn't enjoy riding airplanes that much anymore, that's why one of her few advice that I would like to share with you is, REAAAAAALLLLLLLLLYYYY,

invest in travel while you're still youuung! 

Meet Ms. Villaluna! :))) I met her at a Thai Restaurant in LA! :)

Meet Irma Moyao! :) ZUMBA/PILATES/CIRCUIT TRAINING INSTRUCTOR! I loove her! :)))

So the next time you travel and meet new people, just smile and don't hesitate to initiate a conversation with them! :) It's one of the fun parts that you definitely don't wanna miss! :))) But of course, always trust your gut instincts in doiing soo! :)))

Let's now move on to the next oone! I actually got this from Tito Eric when he wished me goodluck for my first ever job interview in DC! :))) Here it is!!!

4. Job hunting is a hit and miss! You have to "GO AND GET THEM!"

Yes, I am an aspiring diplomat someday! :)

I went to LA, looking mostly for internships in international organizations and embassies - I've sent out a few dozen emails and got reallyy reallyyy few responses - like I can literallyyy count them with my both hands! hahaha! But let me tell you one what happened one in one EPIC NIGHT...

I was sending out resumes via email then LO & BEHOLD, I've got a call from a person working at the Canadian Embassy offering me a job in the Philippines!!! IKRRRRRRRR!!!! And to top it off, I was just in LA for two days when she called!!! 

WHAAAT IS WRONG TIMIIING?!? RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGHT???????? HAHA!

And it's not the end of the whole story yet! Closed minded as I was during that time, I didn't even ask what the job is, what it would entail, etc! I immediately told the girl, 

"I'm in LA right now, do you have any other job vacancies in other posts of your embassies?"

I know what you're thinkiing right now, go on just keep thinking that! Haha! Well I can say that those were definitely depressing times for me! But when I look back at it right now, I can't help but smile. YOU KNOW WHY? Cause that experience reinforced a LIFE LESSON THAT I GOT FROM THIS MOVIE, 

GO FIGURE!

Such experience drove me to look harder and explore other opportunities outside my comfort zone. I'll be forever thankful to the Lord to have greatly helped me go through those tough times, and He readily answered my prayer cause I got a reply from an embassy in DC (which I will not name for the meantime), offering me an interview for a job! :) Which explains why I'm here in DC right now and loving every moment I spend here! :)))) 

*A separate blog on my NERVE WRACKING & AWESOME INTERVIEW coming out soon! :)

And whether I get the job or not, I feel very blessed to have that experience, cause it's reallyy something out of the extraordinary I may say. :) So in times of crisis, just as what the Chinese philosophers would say, find an opportunity! :D Get off your a** and take control of your life! Especially for fresh grads out theere!! :))) You'll never find your niche in this world unless you eliminate the things that you don't like!

 TODAY IS THE RIGHT TIME, NOT LATER, NOT TOMORROW, SO LET GO OF THE PAST, AND LIVE FOR THE PRESENT MOMEEENT!! :)))) and NEVER ever GIVEE UP!! <3

The next highlight would be a 360 degree turn of topic from what I previously discussed though! hahaha! :)) so here it goes!

Recognize these?

OPEN MARKET! :))

Believe me or not, that vase at the topmost and right side is worth 600 buuucks!!!

These are times when you should always think twice before you buy anythiing, well ofcourse if you're the son or daughter of a millionare, I guess you should skip this section of my blooog! HAHAHHAHA! And not only that, one should be adventurous in the world of the retail industryyy! 

5. You should learn how to look for great bargains & sale. Your wallet's gonna thank you BIG TIME for it! 

An impulsive buyer myself, I've learned how to think carefully before I buy something. I have to give credit to my mother and to Tita Len, whom in my most recent trip to LA, taught me insightful things about shopping! ahahahha! When you see this super nice flats, super cheap bag or when a saleslady offers an additional 10% discount when you purchase $30 more, what would you do?

First, ASK YOURSELF. Do you need it right now?

*I SERIOUSLY CAN'T BELIIEEVE I'M WRITING THINGS ABOUT FRUGALITY! GO FIGUUURE! :)

cause if you DON'T,

GO OUUUUT OF THAAT STOOORE RIIIIGHT NOOOW BEFORE THAT IMPULSIVE SHOPPING INSTINCT OF YOUURS COMPLETELYYY KIIICKS IIN!!! 

I REPEAAAT!

GO 

OUT

NOOOOOOOOOW!! haha!

But I'm dead serious! If you don't need it, don't buy it! especially if it's not on sale! And always look for bargains, for weekend and midnight markets cause they almost always sell cheap stuff over there! You just have to be patient to look through items and just like a diamond, you'll never know, 

your patience might just pay off with a RARE FIND! :) 

Which brings us to the next life lesson!!!

6. Simply Enjoy Living Life! and the simple pleasures that come with it!

I had a REAALLYYYY AMAZIIING TIME with the Comia familyyy in LA! :) From eating yogurts after we had our work out in YMCA, visiting the Farmer's Market every Friday night, going to the LA County Fair and visiting their newly bought vacation house which is LITERALLY MORE THAN 5,000 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND - how can you not enjoy life? :))))

ON OUR WAY TO LAKE ARROWHEAD! :)))))))))

REALLYY NIICE HOUSE THEY HAVE!

MIDNIGHT MARKET PICTUURES OF FOOOOD MOSTLYYY!

HELLO MISTER DONUUT! :)

These MINI POUND CAKES ARE TO DIE FOR! They even SHIP WORLDWIIIDE!

LA COUNTY FAIR 2012! :)))

RANDOM ROAD TRIIP PICTUURES! :))

CRAZY BOYS! :)

Cause it's not just the places that you go to that count the most, it's the people you're with, people you encounter and people you meet along the way that make life's journey worthwhile! 

So enjoy whatever part of your journey you are right now, cause you'll never have that moment back! :))))

And this brings me to ask you, what is ONEE THING THAT YOU ARE COMPLETELY & MADLY PASSIONATE ABOUT? What is that thing that keeps you going? that makes you smile and something that you never get tired of doing?

If you know the answer to all of those questions already(but essentially, it's just one question parapharased in many ways!hahha), then I can say, YOU ARE VERY LUCKY cause you've already fulfilled that one crucial part of your journey! YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT IN LIFE & JUST DO IT EVERY SINGLE DAY!

 And just because the superb Iphone 5 is actually out for pre order right noooow, let me quote the seventh advice from the genius mind behind APPLE!

7. " Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinion drown out your inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." 

- Steve Jobs

I know! It's way easier said than done! But true enough, you have to know what you want in life and FIGHT FOR IT! If I didn't follow what I've always wanted to do, I would've been miserable and not enjoy life. Sometimes, you just have to do whatever it is that you think is RIGHT, without stepping on other people ofcourse. 

You may face A LOT OF NEGATIVITY & OPPOSITIONS  in the process, and you've got people telling you that you can't do such, but don't ever let it EVER AFFECT YOU or  suppress your dreams & goals in life. Your life is none of their business so screw them! Cause at the end of the day, IT'S YOUR LIFE YOU'RE LIVING, AND NOT THEIRS!

On a lighter note, hahaah! here's something which I really love doiing! BAKIIING!! <3 <3 <3 

And yes, ambitious as it may sound, I want to be an Ambassador someday with a cute pastry shop all over the world! :))))))) I know Ambassadors are not allowed to engage in such businesses but I'll definitely find a way! <3

And let me also share pictures of yummyy sweet treats that fuels my baking passion! <3

thinking of eating a coookieee right noow! hahaha those pictuuures! hahaha!

Now we're actually down to the last three!! :)))

I know summer's officially over and we have to waiit several months more to feel the warmth of the sun at the beach! But who says you can't go whenever you feel like to? :) Thousands of people spend their summer either walking or sunbathing, splashing through the waves, and just enjoying the calmness of the sea. But if you're not a beach lover yourself,

 PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THESE LINES,

8. “At the beach, life is different. A day moves not from hour to hour but leaps from mood to moment. We go with the currents, plan around the tides, follow the sun. We measure happiness by nothing we can hold... nothing we can catch. Everywhere…Life is jumping and elusive and momentously momentary. We want to [stretch] the days, distill the memories, make them last. At the same time, we know that the beauty is in the evanescence. Every wave comes in, then retreats. Every day promises, then turns its back and slips away. Every joy has a little tease in it, a give and a take, and leaves a wake of longing."

- "How to Live At the Beach," by Sandy Gingras

So whenever you feel down or anything, just hit the beach with your best pals! I dunno but beaches have a relaxing and healing effect on me. :) Hope it does have on you too! 

SUMMER 2012 IN LA WITH THE COMIA FAMILY :)

Loving liiife!!!

Apart from beaches, baking and all that random stuff that I was talking about awhile ago, here is something that one should really pay attention to:

YOUR HEALTH!

9. Taking ownership of one's fitness & health is essential to take OWNERSHIP OF ONE'S LIFE!

A huge percentage of people in the Untied States are obese and there are several internal and external factors that we can attribute to such findings. But at the end of the day, let me ask you,

WHO IS IN CONTROL?

WHOSE LIFE IS IT?

WHOSE BODY IS IT?

WHOSE HEALTH IS IT?

Yes, we may live in an unhealthy environment with some fastfood chains & restaurants prioritizing profit over the quality of food that they serve the masses. But remember, WE ALWAYS HAVE THE POWER OF CHOICE. 

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO  CHOOSE TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE!

When I knew I was going to fly to LA, I've conditioned my mind and did the necessary preparations that will allow me to exercise and eat healthy at the same time. Ofcourse, I had my share of cheat days, eating donuts, ice cream, cupcakes, pizza and all those stuff. But I always make sure that I BURN THEM! hahhaah! I also make sure that I keep track of my portions. But there's just thosee times wherein you just want to eat a lot of those stuff, so just make sure that the next day, YOU MAKE UP FOR IT! JUST GET BACK ON YOUR HEALTHY LIVING TRACK! :) And it works! It really does! :) With proper mindset, determination and exercise, you'll feel that you actually start to take ownership of your life! AND I CAN ASSURE YOU, WHATEVER GOALS YOU SET IN THE FUTURE, you'll achieve it! :) Discipline is the key people! :))) 

GYM PICTURES WITH TITA LEN :))))

And now, we're actually down to the last but most important adviiice that I could giive youu as of the moment - and it concerns HIM - who is the reason why I was able to write blogs such as this and why you can actually read this blog. :)

10. When you completely surrender yourself  unto the Lord, you will be blessed beyond things you can comprehend.

For some of you reading this who do not know, I am a Christian by faith and Iglesia ni Cristo by religion. I am not the perfect servant, ever! I must admit before, there are times when I slack off on worship days. But the moment I flew in to LA, I knew He was my only refuge, my only strength in good and especially tough times. The trials that I've experienced brought me to Him. It made me realize how blessed one can be whenever a person puts the Lord first in everything. In my brief stay in LA, I was fortunate enough too to meet wonderful people in the Church who made me feel that even though we're not connected by blood, we're still family cause you're a child of God. :)

Thank you for the warm welcome! :))

with Ka Tessie, Ka Noel, Ka Arlene, Ka Brenda & Ka Conrad

It won't hurt to surrender oneself to the Lord. :) 

Well, I guess, that's prettyy much a summary of my trip to LA! :) Hope you enjoyed reading through it and watch out for more posts regarding  my adventuures here in the Capitool! :))))

Till next tiime!